MARTINSBURG, W.Va. — The father of the Berkeley County airman critically injured in an ambush attack last week in Washington, D.C. spoke to hundreds of first responders gathered Wednesday night for a prayer vigil held in front of the Berkeley County Sheriff’s Office in Martinsburg.

Staff Sergeant Andrew Wolfe’s father, Jason, is a patrol sergeant with the sheriff’s office.

”First and foremost, I’d like to thank everybody here that showed up and showed support for me and my family. It’s the worst thing that can happen to anyone’s family member in this world. I wouldn’t want any of you to have to go through this,” he said. “We’re devastated.”

He credited the prayers of the community for his son’s progress.

“What’s helping us is your prayers because frankly, the neurosurgeon said he can’t believe what’s going on right now with my son’s recovery.”

As to the 24-year-old’s current condition, his father said, “He’s still critical, but with any brain surgery, any brain wound, anything could happen anytime. He’s had a couple of small setbacks, but he’s pushing forward and that’s due to everyone here’s prayers.”

He called the support from folks back home as well as everyone in Washington, DC “overwhelming.”

Wolfe said he believes his son’s recovery will be an inspiration.

“Andrew walking out of that hospital is going to be a walking testament,” he said, adding, “It’s going to change lives.”

Speaking to the assembly of firefighters, Air Guard members, West Virginia State Police, EMTs, city police officers, and other law enforcement from around the Eastern Panhandle in the candlelight vigil that was ringed by fire trucks and patrol vehicles, Sgt. Wolfe expressed his gratitude to the community at large and made the one request the family has made throughout the entire ordeal.